Dodgers prepared for the Mets

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We are here at Dodger Stadium for the first game of the National League Division Series between the visiting New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. First thing Dodgers fans will notice is that Vin Scully isn’t here. The most loved man in Los Angeles, the long time announcer for the Dodgers, will miss the entire post season after a medical procedure. Everyone will miss Vin Scully, but we look forward to his return next season.

Jacob deGrom
Jacob deGrom

Tonight though it is about the two teams and their starting pitchers. For the Mets we’ll see the young Jacob deGrom take the mound. He has a 14-win season behind him and an E-R-A of 2.54. Can he match the experienced man taking the mound in the top of the first inning?

Clayton Kershaw brushing up on his skills at shortstop.
Clayton Kershaw brushing up on his skills at shortstop.

Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw will get the start for the Dodgers. He has been in this position before, unlike deGrom, who just made it into the major leagues this season. But if the Dodgers are to win they will need to produce runs early and give Kershaw some breathing room.

Dodgers pitchers taking batting practice
Dodgers pitchers taking batting practice

Same with deGrom. The Mets will have to get to Kershaw early because if he gets on a roll it could be nearly impossible to get any runs.  In past postseasons though, teams facing Kershaw have hit him in later innings. Will that be the case tonight?

Justin Turner
Justin Turner

The Mets won the season series, 4-3, but this is October and experience is often the difference between winning and losing and this Dodgers team has a lot of it.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Can his team go all the way this year?
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. Can his team go all the way this year?

Below is my video report from the days leading up to Game One of the National League Division Series between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

(All photos by Claudia Gestro)